Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-04-09
THE RETALIATORY BILL.
The Presidents Letter To the American
Fisheries Union.
BE WILL MAINTAIN THE DI6NrrY AND SUPPORT TN
HONOR OF THE NATION.

BE WILL MAINTAIN THE pIeNrY AND surroRr TIE
HONOR OF THE NATION.
The President having received a communication
from the American Fisheries Union, OF Massachu.
setts calling attention to the fisheries dispute,
and suggesting that the retaliatory act passed by
the late Congress would, In their opinion, be
sufficiently executed II the proposed retaliation
was confined to the closing OF United States
markets to Canada fish products he made the fol-
lowing answer:
GENTLEMEN: have received your letter lately
addressed to me- and have given full consideration
to IMPRESSION or the views and wishes therein
contained in relation to the existing dineren zee,
United states growing out OF the refusal 10 award
our citizens engaged in fishing enterprises the
treaty stipuat1Ons or the guarantees OF national
comfy and neighborly concession. / sincerely
trust the apprehension you express OF unjust and
unfriendly treatment OF American fishermen law
fully found In Canadian waters will not be realized
But, If such apprehension should prove TO be
we'll founded, earnestly hope that no fault or in-
the least weaken the just position or our Govern.
ment, or deprive us OF the universal sympathy and
support to which we should be entitled.
The action OF this Administration since June,
1885, when the fishery articles OF the treaty or
ISL We're terminated under Ine notlnc lea I,a
Government, has been fully disclosed by the CORE
spondence between the representatives and the
appropriate departments OF the respective govern
ments, with which, 1 am appnsed by your letter,
you are entirely familiar. examination of this
correspondence has doubtless satisfied you that In
no case have the rights or privileges OF American
fishermen been overlooked or neglected; but that,
Oh the contrary. they have been sedulousy in
sisted upon and cared for by every means within
the control OF the executive branch OF the Govern
ment
The act of Congress, approved March 8, 1887, au-
thorizes course OF retaliation through executive
action, In the event OF a continuance on the part
OF the British American authorities OF unfriendly
conduct and treaty violations affecting American
Rcl,n llavt
United States exceedingly grave and solemn re-
Sponsibil1ties, comprehending highly important
consequences to our national character and dig
nifty, and involving extremely valuable CONNER
cial intercourse between the British possessions Of
North America and the people OF the United
States.
understand the main purpose of your letter Is
to suggest that in recourse to the retaliatory
measures authorized by this act should De invited
ture, the object Of such retaliation might be ully
accomplished by prohibiting Canadian.caught
fish from entry into the ports OF the United
States"
Inc existing controversy is one in which two
nations are the parties concerned. The retalia-
ton contemplated by the act OF Congress is TO be
enforced not to protect solely any particular In
tereSt, however meritor1ous or valuable, but to
maintain the national honor, and thus protect all
can fishery rights and unjust and unfriendly acts
towards a portion OF our citizens engaged in this
business is but the occasion for action, and con-
stltuteS national affront which gives birth TO- or
may justify, retaliation. This measure, once re-
sorted to, It's effectiveness and value may well de-
pend upon the thorOughnesS and extent OF its APP
plicatiOn and in the performance Of International
duties, the enforcement OF International rights
and the protection OF our citizens, this Govern
ment and the people OF the United States must
act as unit, all intent upon attaining the best
result OF retaliation upon the basis OF q matnte-
nance OF national honor and duty.
nation seeking, by any means, to maintain its
honor, dignity, and integrity is engaged in pro-
tecting the rights OF It's people; and IL, in such
efforts, particular interests injured and special
advantages forfeited, these things should be pa
triotically borne for the public good. An immense
volume OF population manufactures and agricul.
railways to which these have given activfty-all
largely the result OF intercourse between the
United States and British America, and the natu-
raj growth OF full half-century OF good neighbour
hood and friendly cOmmunicattOl-forma an aggre-
gate OF material wealth and incidental relations
OF most impressive magnitude. l fully appreciate
these things, and am not unmindful OF the great
number OF our people who are concerned in such
vast and diversified interests.
In the performance OF the serious duty which
the Congress has imposed upon me, and in the
exercise upon just OCCASION of the power conferred
under the act referred to, / shall deem myself
bound to infiict no unnecessary damage or injury
upon any portion Of our people; but shall, never
theless be unflinchingly guided by sense OF what
the self-respect and dignity OF the nation demand
In the maintenance OF these. and in the support
OF the honor OF the Government, beneath which
personal or private interests shall be considered
against the general welfare.
Yours, very truly,
(;R0vrp